Seyi Makinde gives Makinde Safe Rescue Assurance, pledging swift action to rescue abducted Oyo pupils and teachers amid rising security concerns

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, gave a firm assurance that security agencies will safely rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers following a disturbing mass kidnapping incident that has gripped the state and sparked public outrage.

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Governor Seyi Makinde made the declaration during a meeting with social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and a group of protesters who had gathered at the Oyo State Government House to demand urgent action over the abducted pupils and their teachers.

The Oyo State Governor expressed deep personal concern over the incident, describing it as emotionally distressing and unprecedented in the state’s history. He stressed that the government was treating the matter as a top security priority and working closely with relevant agencies to ensure a safe outcome.

“I am also distressed because I have children of my own. I’m also distressed with what has happened to our children. It has been one month, just one month and one day already,” Governor Seyi Makinde said during the engagement.

He explained that operational sensitivity prevented him from revealing detailed information about ongoing rescue efforts, noting that discretion was necessary to protect the lives of the victims and the success of the mission.

The governor further described the abduction of nursery and primary school pupils as a deeply complex security challenge, adding that the nature of the victims required a highly coordinated and cautious response from security operatives.

“This is the first time anywhere in Nigeria that they have abducted nursery and primary school children. These are children that cannot even run or do anything for themselves,” he said.

Governor Seyi Makinde added that communication had been established with the abductors as part of ongoing efforts, describing it as a difficult but necessary step aimed at securing the children’s release without loss of life.

He assured residents that the rescue operation remained active and carefully managed, with priority placed on the safe return of every abducted child and teacher.

“I don’t want to lose any of those children. I give you the assurance that I, as the governor, by God’s grace, will bring out those children,” he stated.

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The development has continued to draw public attention, with growing calls for intensified security measures and stronger protection for schools across vulnerable communities in the state.